Worn spark plugs with a gap that is way too large can cause very hard
starting with normal running once warmed up.  Lots of time can be wasted on
other mis-diagnoses.  BTDT

Dust and dirt that accumulates on ignition wires plus condensed moisture
adds up to a conductive path for the high voltage sparks.  I believe the
best temporary solution is to wipe the wires, distributor cap, and coil
with paper towels and isopropyl alcohol, the highest percentage you can
find.  A more permanent fix involves new wires.

Larry A.

On Fri, Aug 5, 2016 at 7:06 AM, Mark Pinnell <mark.stuart.pinnell@gmail.com>
wrote:

> Currently 1500 miles from home and Pearl, our 85 Vanagon, (1.9 L with AT)
> is having great difficulty starting after sitting all night. She turns over
> OK, but has trouble firing and 'catching'. Once she has started, she idles
> and runs fine all day, and easily catches and starts for the rest of the
> day. As we are currently in a maritime environment, I suspected dampness,
> so have used WD40 to try to wick the moisture from electronic components
> (distributor, plug wires, coil, etc...). She seems to be getting air, fuel
> and spark (although I have not pulled a plug to actually test for spark, I
> am basing it on smooth running for the rest of the day...)
> If anyone has a similar issue and has any thoughts, they would be greatly
> appreciated.
> Mark
>